Diplomacy Takes Off: China and India Discuss Flights, Fights, and Future Ties in Beijing

In a landmark diplomatic meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sat down with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in Beijing on Monday, a breakthrough in attempts to stabilize and repair the frequently strained relationship between Asia's two largest nations.

 

Key Highlights

 

The session, as reported by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, was aimed at the need to "properly handle sensitive issues" and maintain peaceful borders, following recent positive developments in bilateral relations.

 

Wang Yi stressed building trust as the foundation for addressing outstanding issues, implying China's readiness to work on a solution for enduring border tensions.

 

NSA Ajit Doval made a strong appeal on terror, urging China to be tougher on counterterrorism and stating India's concerns on cross-border terrorism and proxies operating out of Pakistan-based infrastructure.

 

They talked about China's suggestion to resume direct flights with India, which had been halted since the COVID-19 pandemic, and decided to expedite the resumption of air routes to enable people-to-people exchanges and economic cooperation.

 

The talks are in the context of the impending high-level interactions, including the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and possible visits by other high-level Indian leaders to China, which is an indicator of a wider diplomatic effort to deepen ties.

 

India is also requesting a joint statement firmly denouncing the recent Pahalgam terror attack, as China reaffirmed its firm opposition to all forms of terrorism and appealed for global cooperation against the scourge.

 

The two countries agreed to hold commemorative events to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations and to enhance cooperation in economic, trade, and cultural fields. This summit is seen as a bold step toward easing tensions and building trust after decades of strained relations, particularly after the 2020 clash on the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. The outcome is a testament to reciprocal interest in moving ahead on various fronts, ranging from security to connectivity, as both nations want to seek stability in a troubled neighborhood.

 

Source: Moneycontrol, Deccan Herald, DD News